The Bantam AA North Regional tournament is held in Roseau this year. The regional tournament is a double elimination style bracket. The teams included are from Districts 11, 12, 15, and 16. Last year, Hermantown and Grand Rapids advanced to state, can they do it again? 

Game 1: Grand Rapids vs Duluth East - The Thunderhawks and Hounds have squared off three times this year, with Grand Rapids winning twice (2-1 and 1-0) and Duluth East winning once (2-1). Grand Rapids has many star players, including Gavin Hain, Ryker Brazerol (who has been hot lately, with 3Gs vs Grand Forks Avaitors) and Goalie Zach Stejskal. Duluth East lost four Bantams that moved up to play for Mike Randolph at the High School level, but that hasn't stopped this team from putting up some big wins. Some of those wins include Cloquet (9-2), Sibley (4-1), and Grand Rapids (2-1). This game will be a thriller.

Prediction: Duluth East (Last year, Grand Rapids lost first game of regions in an upset vs Bemidji...have a feeling to see it again.)  

Game 2: Moorhead vs Bemidji - These teams have seen each other twice this year, with the Spuds winning both of them. The Spuds are lead by NOW Prospect Ethan Frisch and Forward Carter Randklev, who moved in from Fergus Falls. Bemidjis forward Ryan Pogue and defenseman Taylor Andersen will have to lead the Lumberjacks past Moorhead. Moorhead outscored them 22-1 in the two games they played. 

Prediction: Moorhead

Game 3: Roseau vs Brainerd - The will have home ice advantage the whole weekend. Ben Helgeson and Alex Verbout will be the power houses for Roseau. The Rams had a big win over STMA in a shootout, and a win over Edina "A". Brainerd has one specific forward people will be looking at.... and that is Matt Fischer. He is a strong forward with some great moves. Brainerd recently won the St. Cloud tournament, with a win over St. Cloud in the championship. Brainerd has defeated Roseau twice this year. 

Prediction: Brainerd

Game 4: Cloquet vs Hermantown - These two squads have faced off twice this year, with Cloquet winning both by one goal. Cloquet is led by Ryan Nelson and Gavin Rasmussen. Cloquet has a had an awesome season this year, and are looking to keep it going in regions. Hermantown is carried by Tyler Watkins and Elliott Peterson. Hermantown has played a really tough schedule this year, but have stayed close with some of the best. They lost by one goal to #1 Ranked Centennial. This will be a great District 11 match-up. 

Prediction: Cloquet 

First Two Out: Bemidji and Roseau

Moving on to State: Grand Rapids and Moorhead